When we talk about workshop cranes, we are talking about very specialised industrial machines. Their development through the years for improved performance, efficiency and durability, as well as the diversification necessary to adapt to the most demanding circumstances, has resulted in the progressively increasing complexity of these machines.

To help you to find the best answer to your needs, we set out these Frequent questions on workshop cranes and our Glossary of important technical terms, with the confidence that you will find them useful.

If you need more information about the characteristics of our equipment, you can obtain it in Technical information on our workshop cranes.

↑ Top

Frequent questions on workshop cranes

What is a workshop crane?
What is a workshop crane?
A workshop crane is a mobile lifting device. Instead of the fork used in the forklift truck, it has a hook on a jib and collects loads from above.

In contrast to a column crane or a wall-mounted crane, the workshop crane is typified particularly by the fact that it can move about, even with its suspended load.

Where is a workshop crane used?
In general, the workshop crane is used indoors, in workshops, production installations and research laboratories.

If you are planning to use the workshop crane outside, you need to tell us so that the design can be adjusted as a result.

Do you need a driving licence to operate the workshop crane?
Do you need a driving licence to operate the workshop crane?
No, our workshop cranes are classified under DGUV68, the same as forklift trucks with driver, so that no driving licence is required. Of course, the operator has to be trained on the basis of instructions for its functioning. On request, we can take charge of the training.

How long is the life of a crane?
The useful life of a crane depends on many factors:
1. The correct choice of crane in relation to the work to be done and frequency of use. We will offer you a crane suited to each application with the right price-performance ratio.
2. Regular maintenance and compliance with the inspections defined in the manual.
3. Is it a manual or an electric device? Some of our customers have been using Hydrobull industrial cranes for 50 years. In general, one could assume an average useful life of 20 to 30 years for high quality Hydrobull manual cranes.

What is the most important information when deciding on the right workshop crane?
1. The weight of the load
2. The reach
3. The lifting height

Is Dynalserg a distributor or a manufacturer?
Dynalserg, through Siegfried Frenzen GmbH, is a manufacturer of workshop cranes, known and marketed under the brand names Hydrobull and Elektrobull for decades.

At the same time, we complete the range with commercial products that we have tried and tested in order to offer you the right workshop crane for each application.

What advantages does Dynalserg/Hydrobull offer?
What advantages does Dynalserg/Hydrobull offer?
We offer you the largest range of workshop cranes between 300 kg and 3 tonnes and we cover a broad range of prices. Therefore you will find the best quality-price ratio with us. Advice is our main priority. We put our eight decades of experience at your disposal. We also offer you a free quotation for individual solutions which may be different from the standard programme.

↑ Top

Important technical terms

What do we mean when we say…?
What do we mean when we say…?
It is always good to be certain of using the same words. There are many technical terms in the world of workshop cranes. Knowing exactly what we mean when we use a specific term helps us to evaluate your needs with precision and find the right solution for you.

Reach (B)
In cranes with stabiliser legs (Fig. 1): Distance between the hydraulic cylinder and the centre of the hook bolt.
In cranes with a compact chassis or counterweight (Fig. 2): Distance between the wheels and the centre of the hook bolt.

Width of passage
Corresponds to the width of the chassis at the widest point.

Height of passage (C)
Measurement from the floor to the uppermost point of the column, with the jib free of load and lowered. That is, the free height when the crane is at rest.
N.B. If necessary, specify the heights of doorways or entrances, etc.

Chassis(D)
With parallel stabiliser legs: The chassis is U-shaped and is below the jib. The opening is constant. Advantage: it can be inserted below machines, pedestals, etc., since the chassis is narrower.
With V-shaped stabiliser legs. The width is greater between the load wheels, but reduces towards the line of the direction. Advantage: lower price.
Compact: In putting additional weight on the chassis (counterweight), it can be made smaller and so increase the reach in front of the wheels.

Counterweight crane (Figure 2.)
The crane wheels are placed almost in the vertical line of the hydraulic cylinder, while the chassis is shifted towards the back with a counterweight. This gives the crane maximum reach in front of the wheels. There is a lot of free space below the jib.

Weight
The weight of the crane itself without any load.

Lifting height (A)
Distance from the floor to the hook bolt.

IMPORTANT! The reach required has to be calculated always in relation to the height of lift required, since it changes according to the height of lift due to the curved line described by the jib when being lifted.

Distance from the floor (E)
Measurement from the floor to the lowest point of the load.

Applied to a crane: Height from the floor to the upper edge of the chassis.

This is important information if the crane’s stabiliser legs are to be inserted below a machine or the load itself, for example.